House Democrats continue to fight for the residents of Connecticut. This session, we have crafted legislation that focuses on job growth and economic development, assisting small businesses, and promoting fairness and compassion to all of our citizens.
Here is a list of our legislative accomplishments in 2019. As the session continues, this list will grow, so be sure to check back here for more updates. To see a list of list of our accomplishments from last session, click here.
We Passed a Stable and Responsible Budget
HB 7424 - AN ACT CONCERNING THE STATE BUDGET FOR THE BIENNIUM ENDING JUNE THIRTIETH, 2021, AND MAKING APPROPRIATIONS THEREFOR, AND IMPLEMENTING PROVISIONS OF THE BUDGET
The House passed a budget which is responsible, stable, and funds the Rainy Day Fund at historic levels. With significant investments in education, job growth, and economic development throughout the state, the budget holds the line on spending.
We Passed Paid Family and Medical Leave
SB 1 - AN ACT CONCERNING PAID FAMILY AND MEDICAL LEAVE
It is a fact is that most working families in Connecticut have not had access to paid leave, but this legislation will change that and in the end all of our state will benefit. No one should have to choose between their family and a paycheck, and this legislation will help employers attract and retain talented workers.
We Fixed Loopholes in the Trust Act
SB 992 - AN ACT CONCERNING THE TRUST ACT
While we need to maintain public safety by cooperating with federal authorities in certain cases, we must also strike the right balance and protect the trust built with communities. That trust is necessary for protecting everyone and their rights.
We Made Sure CT Students Are Taught Black and Latino History
HB 7082 - AN ACT CONCERNING THE INCLUSION OF BLACK AND LATINO STUDIES IN THE PUBLIC SCHOOL CURRICULUM
We passed a bill to increase our education to include Black and Latino History, adding a strong, balanced, and equitable history storyline that includes all our citizens and reflects our diversity. This will help us move us toward a more inclusive view of history and shows us that we all have place at the table.
We Raised the Age for Tobacco Sales
HB 7200 - AN ACT PROHIBITING THE SALE OF CIGARETTES, TOBACCO PRODUCTS, ELECTRONIC NICOTINE DELIVERY SYSTEMS AND VAPOR PRODUCTS TO PERSONS UNDER AGE TWENTY-ONE
This bill hopes to decrease teen nicotine addiction by eliminating the likelihood that teens and young adults ever pick up a tobacco product to begin with. According to the state Department of Public Health (DPH), 95 percent of adults who smoke started before they turned 21, and research has shown that if an individual has not started smoking by age 21, they likely never will.
We Prevented Deceptive Advertising for Pregnancy Centers
HB 7070 - AN ACT CONCERNING DECEPTIVE ADVERTISING PRACTICES OF LIMITED SERVICES PREGNANCY CENTERS
This bill seeks to end deceptive practices by some limited service pregnancy centers. Reports from individuals who have visited these centers have noted practices such as advertising services they do not offer or having staff and volunteers wear scrubs despite none having a medical license.
We Invested in Renewable Green Energy
HB 7156 - AN ACT CONCERNING THE PROCUREMENT OF ENERGY DERIVED FROM OFFSHORE WIND
The passage of this legislation positions the state to grow as a leader in green energy technology and ultimately help Connecticut achieve its renewable energy goals, while also growing Connecticut’s maritime industry. Not only will this measure make a positive impact in sparking economic growth, but it will create good-paying jobs, lower energy costs for ratepayers, and promote economic development in New London, New Haven and Bridgeport. It also includes provisions to protect and minimize impacts on the environment and fisheries.
We Raised the Minimum Wage
HB 5004 - AN ACT INCREASING THE MINIMUM FAIR WAGE
No one who works full-time should have to live in poverty, but many of our state’s full-time workers struggle to support themselves and their families because wages are too low and have not been increased since 2017. The House approved HB 5004 to increase the minimum wage incrementally to $15 by 2023.
We Banned the Sale of Ghost Guns
HB 7219 - AN ACT CONCERNING GHOST GUNS
This session, we passed legislation that bans guns without serial numbers and regulates those which are sold in a form requiring the purchaser to finish assembly or that are homemade or 3-D printed.
We Passed Ethan's Law
HB 7218 - AN ACT CONCERNING THE SAFE STORAGE OF FIREARMS IN THE HOME AND FIREARM SAFETY PROGRAMS IN PUBLIC SCHOOLS
The House of Representatives passed Ethan’s Law by an overwhelming bipartisan majority. This legislation requires the safe storage of all firearms, whether loaded or unloaded, in a home with a minor under eighteen years of age. We are proud to be making Connecticut safer in the name of Ethan Song.
We Protected People with Pre-Existing Conditions
HB 5521 - AN ACT EXPANDING REQUIRED HEALTH INSURANCE COVERAGE FOR PREEXISTING CONDITIONS
This year, we passed legislation that codifies into state law the federal Affordable Care Act’s protections for people with pre-existing conditions so those protections will exist even if the ACA is repealed.
We Protected Tenants and Municipalities from Unscrupulous Landlords
HB 7225 - AN ACT CONCERNING PUBLIC HOUSING
This legislation will help municipalities enforce local ordinances dealing with the maintenance and safety of properties. Nonresident rental property owners and project based housing providers (PBHPs) will be required to file the landlord’s or agent’s current residential address with the municipality in which the properties are located. The bill also requires PBHPs to file additional identifying information about their owners.
We Passed a Resolution to Allow Early and No-Excuse Absentee Voting
H.J. No. 161 - RESOLUTION PROPOSING AN AMENDMENT TO THE STATE CONSTITUTION TO ALLOW FOR EARLY VOTING AND NO-EXCUSE ABSENTEE VOTING
The House took action approving a resolution that would include a ballot question to amend the State Constitution to allow for an in-person early voting system. Once the resolution gets final legislative approval, the question will appear on the November 2020 ballot for voters to decide if Connecticut should implement it.
